Oak And Tulip

Sounds like a tavern out of a romance novel.  It's actually an impression of two different flora.

There is a bur oak tree nearby that is around 400 years old.  Thick trunk, high and wide gnarled branches, it sits silently overlooking the road and park. 

It's almost twice as old as the Republic.  It was an acorn, sprout and sapling when only my red brothers and sisters dwelt round it.  Mind you they had been around for thousands of years at least.  There time alone as it were was already done.  France then Britain claimed the land.  And, before that, tribes claimed and beat out other tribes.  Human nature was at work before the acorn was even formed. 

The oak was a young tree when whites first came to Indiana.  We know some got along and some did not with their red brothers and sisters.  There have always been those who seek to turn people against one another.  Control is the key element.  The oak began to stand tall as the War for Independence was won and Indiana was part of the Northwest then was Indiana Territory.  The oak stood tall at 200 years old.

The next 200 years saw rise and fall of both good and evil.  Repeated attempts to subvert and destroy the Republic rose and fell since before we were a Republic.  It is as I said, a constant battle.  Instead of being left alone, there are those who seek control, to decide for us instead of we ourselves.

Only time will tell what the oak will witness.  I hope it lasts another 400 years and 'sees' the Restoration of a Republic that will spread Freedom round the world.

There are a lot of tulip trees in the area.  Many are quite large and sturdy but nowhere near as old as the oak.  They are also called Jane Magnolia trees.

Currently they are magnificently in bloom, bright pink and white.  Their perfume fills the air with the hope of Spring.

The bloom doesn't last long.  The petals fall to become humus ie circle of life.

The flowers spread pollen, prolong and help propagate more.

Sometimes, a flash in the pan takes place.  Other times it is a slow steady growth that outlasts the bloom.

Both work for a cycle of development and rebirth.